ANDROID

Dual SIM phones have generally been lower end devices, which are bought for their dual SIM capability more than there other features. Lately, we have seen upmarket Android dual sim phones like the HTC Desire V and the Lenovo P700, with larger 4-inch high resolution displays and running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich). LG has released another dual SIM phone, the LG Optimus E405 L3, this one targeting the traditional lower price market. Priced at about Php6,490, the LG Optimus E405 L3, has its sites set on stealing some of the market from the Alcatel 918N and Samsung Galaxy Y Duos.

The LG Optimus E405 L3 is a Android phone, running the older version of the operating system, Android 2.3 Gingerbread. The 3.2-inch display has a low 240 x 320 pixel resolution. It matches the Samsung Galaxy Y Duos pretty much in terms of specifications, which is not really all the interesting in either phone. But for two reasons, the LG Optimus E405 L3 is the better of the two phones. The LG Optimus E405 L3 has 1 GB of internal storage (expandable via MicroSD card), and a 1540 mAh battery. The Samsung has 160 MB of internal storage (expandable via MicroSD card), and a 1300 mAh battery. The LG is also a few hundred pesos cheaper.

Comparing it to the Alcatel 918N, it is a bit more complicated. Overall, the LG has better specifications in almost every category, except one. The Alcatel has a higher resolution 3.2-inch 320 x 480 display. I think most buyers would be happier with the LG, but it really is time for Android manufacturers to retire the 240 x 320 screen resolution. If it is your main phone, I would go with the LG, it is more capable. If it is a back-up phone, the Alcatel is much nicer to look at with its crisp display.